Pull stations

Manual Activation Callpoint (MAC)ZManual Pull Station (MPS)... 

A wide variety of sensing and initiating devices are available that can detect heat, smoke, radiant energy, and fire gas products. These devices should be selected based upon the type of fire anticipated. Additionally, sprinkler system water flow, activation of other extinguishing systems, and manual fire alarm pull stations can also be used to initiate an alarm signal. 

Will fire sensors, pull stations, and alarms be adequate ... 

Fire alarm pull station —The location of the nearest pull station should be familiar to everyone in the laboratory... 

In a manual fire alarm system, the device used to activate the alarm in most cases is a pull box or pull station. The mechanism is very simple—puUing the switch either makes or breaks an electrical circuit which in turn causes an alarm to sound. As wiU be discussed more fiiUy in the next section, the alarm may sound only in the individual building, or the alarm could initiate a signal at a remote location as well. 

In most research buildings, vandalism is rarely a problem. If local circumstances are such that this is not the case, there are protective measures which can be taken. The use of a glass cover, to be broken by a small hammer, is to be avoided since the person pulling the alarm can be cut by the broken glass. An alternative that has proven very effective is a cover for the pull station which sounds a local alarm when removed. Usually this frightens away a person intending to initiate a false alarm. 

Everyone should be familiarwith the location anduseofaUequipment in their laboratory area. As noted above, this includes means to initiate an evacuation (fire alarm pull stations, etc.), fire extinguishers, fire blankets, eyewash stations, deluge showers, first aid kits, spiU kit materials, respiratory protective devices, and any other materials normally kept in the area for emergency response. 

The water supply to B6596 consists of a 6-inch riser in the mechanical equipment room that supplies water to the fire protection wet-pipe sprinkler system. Sprinkler heads have internal fusible elements that open the sprinkler flow orifice at a temperature of 165°F. Fire alarm pull stations and fire extinguishers are located in both the main facility and the Chapel. 

To ensure that laboratory workers respond appropriately, they should be briefed on the necessary steps to take in case of a fire. The laboratory should be set up in such a way that the locations of fire alarms, pull stations, fire extinguishers, safety showers, and other emergency equipment are marked and all laboratory personnel alerted to them (see section 5.C.11 below). Exit routes in case of fire should be reviewed. Fire extinguishers in the immediate vicinity of an experiment should be appropriate to the particular fire hazards. Proper extinguishers must be used because fires can be exacerbated by use of an inappropriate extinguisha-. Telephone numbers to call in case of an accident should be readily available. 

Preparation is essential Make sure all laboratory personnel know the locations of all fire extinguishers in the laboratory, what types of fires they can be used for, and how to operate them correctly. Also ensure that they know the location of the nearest fire alarm pull station, safety showers, and emergency blankets. 

Safety equipment, including spill control kits, safety shields, fire safety equipment, respirators, safety showers and eyewash fountains, and emergency equipment should be available in well-marked, highly visible locations in all chemical laboratories. Fire alarm pull stations and telephones with emragency telephone numbCTs clearly indicated must be readily accessible. In addition to the standard items, thwe may also be a need for other safety devices. It is the responsibility of the laboratory supervisor to ensure proper training and provide supplementary equipment as needed. 

FIGURE M.2 Fire alarm manual pull station. 

Assess all equipment including the testing of alarms, detectors, and pull stations. 

Manual pull stations are provided as part of the notification system, and all requirements are found in NFPA 72. These are manually activated initiating devices that will sound the audible and visible notification when pulled. The technology behind pull stations is simple They usually incorporate either a two position switch or momentary switch wired in an open circuit. When the activation handle is pulled or slid, this in turn throws the position of the switch, which closes the circuit and signals the alarm panel to activate the systems notification devices. 

There are several types currently used. The first is a single action, which simply requires a downward pull on a hinged or sliding handle that operates the switch. The next is a double action pull station, which requires two distinct actions to initiate the signal. This first action is usually in the form of a cover, either incorporated into the body of the device or placed around the outside of the station. Break-glass pull stations are mounted behind fixed glass that must be broken in order to reach the pull station. Another approach is the use of a break rod placed under the lip of the activation component that holds the pull station in place and requires extra force in order to break the rod and then allow the pull station handle to move (Jones, 2009). 

Emergencies are often discovered by personnel working in the facility, not by the trained responders. To minimize hazards and shorten reaction time to emergency situations, emergency evacuation pull stations are located throughout the facility. Triggering these alarms shuts down hazardous gas inputs into the building and announces an evacuation. 

Manual pull stations. NFPA Article 72A 5-8.1.2 requires the distribution of manual fire alarm pull stations throughout the protected area. 

In new H-6 facilities, transporting HPMs in code-required exit corridors is prohibited. In existing facilities, the UBC and UFC will allow transportation of HPMs in the exit corridors only if spill-alarm signaling devices are provided at 150-foot intervals (among other requirements outlined in other sections). The purpose of the HPM emergency spill alarm is to initiate a local alarm and to report to the ECS the conditions of the spill, leak or other accident within the exit corridor used to transport HPMs. Although a manual pull station is acceptable by the code, we recommend utilizing a fireman s telephone mounted in an enclosure. 

All buildings should be equipped writh one or more types of fire extinguishers (Figure 7-1) and fire alarm systems. All employees should be familiar with the location, type, and use of extinguishers, as well as the location and operation of fire alarm pull stations. 

Lab occupants aware of fire alarm pull station location(s)... 

Are all pull stations and fire extinguishers unobstructed and easy to reach ... 

Are their pull stations placed near potential fire areas ... 

Is there adequate clearance around extinguishers Pull stations ... 

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